Gifting mom a brand-new vacuum cleaner for Mother’s Day? You’ve got to be kidding! Can you believe vacuum cleaner companies used to market to married men; suggesting they gift this revolutionary appliance to their wives? This week we’re diving into crazy facts and fun memories of vintage vacuums.

Now, I can sort of see the idea of this (nowadays sexist) marketing strategy. It’s like installing a dishwasher in your home for the first time. If it’s an appliance that makes your household duties so much easier and more efficient, why not? It makes time to do more exciting things. Like more time for dirty martinis and cocaine. I mean, how else was the 1950’s housewife getting all that housework done?

Vacuum cleaner designs have continued to improve exponentially since the invention in 1901. Like computers, vacuum cleaners have gone from heavy, clunky pieces of machinery, to lightweight, energy efficient, common household products. Even looking back 40-50 years ago, there was a vast advancement in technology. So let’s take a look.

Vintage Vacuums: Self-Propelled Uprights

The Hoover brand is the most recognizable vacuum brand still today. It’s so popular, it has been used as a verb when referring to vacuuming, or “Hoovering” the house.

And who can forget the Oreck Lightweight? Or the Eureka!

Growing up we had a blue and white, self-propelled, Hoover upright vacuum. Our dog absolutely hated it. He was always barking at it, all while leaping backwards so the vacuum wouldn’t “get him.”

I remember on Saturday mornings, while trying to sleep in, I would hear my mom turn on the vacuum downstairs at what felt like an ungodly hour (probably 10am). I would just lie in bed awake and hum to the pitch of the vacuum. It was a lot easier to match the pitch once she made her way upstairs, and even more so when she’d finally come in to vacuum my room. Over the years, I learned that it wasn’t just me who did this either. Other classmates of mine did too, and we always got a chuckle out of that.

I can also remember when this thing lost its self-propelling capabilities. Liken it to a car without power steering. It was so hard to maneuver around the house! And I think I only actually changed the bag once or twice. It was the most intimidating task to me. But, I’d have to say, my mom made it look easy.

And when this vacuum finally died, my dad kept it out in the garage to maybe to repair it someday? Or just to take it apart for fun. But wouldn’t you know it, someone stole it out of our garage one day when we had left the garage door open. Would be a shame if they stole it because they actually needed it.

The Black & Decker Dustbuster

Black & Decker introduced the cordless, handheld vacuum cleaner known as the “Dustbuster,” in 1979. The design was a concept from the Black & Decker Spot Vac, which was a part of a series of power tools. Upon introducing this new product, Black & Decker marketed it as a household vacuum cleaner (enticing to women), vs a power tool (not enticing). By 1995, it was estimated to have sold over 100 million units worldwide.

My family had one for as long as I can remember. It was usually kept out in the garage, hung up right next to the door leading into the house. Perfectly convenient! The dog didn’t like this one much either.

The Carpet Sweeper

The Bissell “Carpet Sweeper” was invented by Melville Reuben Bissell in 1876. This came as a surprise to me as I always thought it was invented as a quiet, lighter alternative to the clunky vacuum cleaner. But no, they started selling in 1883, becoming extremely popular shortly after.

The Carpet Sweeper was so great for cleaning up small messes as they occurred. My family had one of these as well, for as long as I can remember.

I also remember back in the days of working in the restaurant industry, they were used to clean up the carpets underneath the tables (as a quiet alternative while there were still diners present after closing).

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for mom this weekend, steer clear of any sort of cleaning machines, appliances, products, attire, etc. Trust me. Stick to the memories of vintage vacuums. It sure beats gifting one to mom.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! And Happy Mother’s Day to my mom friends, and to all the hot mamas out there in The Loftus Party community.